The following candidates are running for office. If you would like to vote, we have two options for accessing the ballot.  An email was sent to current dues members with a link to vote.  There is also a tab on our homepage with the ballot.  Click on FNPN Election Ballot tab, you may need to log into your membership profile to access the ballot page. Only dues current members can vote.

If you have any questions, please email us at floridanpnetwork@gmail.com

Thank you again for your participation!

Candidates for President

 

Deborah Tedesco, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, AP-PMN, CBCN, CWS, CWCN-AP

As the current Secretary for the FNPN. I would be honored to continue to serve the FNPN membership as President. If elected, I will promote the profession of nursing and the role of nurse practitioner to improve the health of Florida’s residents. Nurse practitioners are prepared to advance health inequities and improve health. Nurse practitioners need to work to the full extent of their education and training. For this to happen, barriers need to be removed. Working with the FNPN Board of Directors, I will focus on efforts to lift practice restrictions placed on Florida’s nurse practitioners. I will work with our Immediate Past President to continue the momentum and the impact she has made in providing education opportunities for our members and advocating for the inclusion of nurse practitioners in executive leadership.  I will work with the Board of Directors to continue efforts related to education and mentorship, membership growth, public awareness of nurse practitioners, and lifting barriers for autonomous practice. I have been a nurse practitioner in Orlando for 22 years and a nurse for 30 years. I began my career as a nurse in the US Air Force after graduating from The University of Central Florida in 1993. After leaving military service, I obtained an MSN from the University of Florida in 1999 and then a DNP from UCF in 2018. I am a clinic-based nurse practitioner at Orlando Health Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Institute, providing care to individuals undergoing reconstruction due to cancer, trauma, and gender dysphoria. I am board-certified in adult health, pain management nursing, breast cancer, and wound care. I am an adjunct instructor in the DNP program at UCF and serve as a preceptor for APRN doctoral students. My research and quality improvement projects include surgical pain management while limiting opioids, managing expectations of women undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy, patient quality and safety, and the patient experience. I have shared my research and quality improvement projects at the local, state, and national levels.  I am active in health policy through The Florida Nurses Association, FNPN, and the Florida Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses (FCAPN), advocating for RN and APRN practice and patient safety issues. Recently, I was honored to be chosen as one of fourteen national applicants to participate in AANP’s first Executive Leadership Program cohort at George Washington University. I have served in various positions with my local APRN group, The Central Florida Advanced Nursing Practice Council (CFANPC). I am a Past President, and I am currently serving as President-Elect. I also organize and lead volunteer activities for CFANPC membership to increase public visibility of APRNs while serving the community. I have been a group representative for the FCAPN and currently serve as the Recording Secretary. I am also the current secretary for the FNPN. I would be honored to serve the FNPN membership as President.

Candidates for 2nd Vice President- Education

• Armando Riera, MSN, APRN-BC
• Sally A. Weiss, EdD, APRN, FNP-C, CNE, ANEF     

 

Armando Riera, MSN, APRN-BC

I would be my honor to serve as your Vice President for Education as a member of the FNPN Board of Director’s.  I have over 30 years’ experience in nursing and advanced practice as well as academia and professional lecture experience on a regional, state, national, international setting.

My prior FNPN leadership experience includes past Membership Chair and my current role as Conference Co-Chair and Education Committee.  I am extremely proud that we have been able to develop the newly formed education committee and look forward to working with the team members to ensure quality, evidenced based practice topic that benefits all members of the organization. As a member of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), I understand the importance of cultural diversity and necessary education to reach this and other diverse populations to ensure quality healthcare and education.  My goals would be to continue to develop the FNPN Annual Conference as one of the premier events in not only Florida but, the nation.  Continue to develop the newly formed Education Committee and enhance the quality of educational programs being offered to our membership and beyond. And, to serve as your voice on the FNPN Board of Directors. I have served as chair of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses conference held in Miami, July of 2014. I have also been elected to serve as chair for the upcoming National Association of Hispanic Nurses conference that will be held in Miami of July 2022. I welcome the opportunity to serve the membership in this role and trust that you will support me as your next VP of Education if elected to serve.

 

Sally A. Weiss, EdD, APRN, FNP-C, CNE, ANEF                                                                                                                                                                        
My experience in education and educational leadership spans four decades. These years afforded me the opportunity to participate in the history and evolution of our profession. I have seen multiple missed opportunities for the nursing profession to advance its role in the healthcare delivery system going back to July of 1965 with the initiation of Medicare and Medicaid. Loretta Ford and Henry Silver showed amazing foresight during this year and grabbed the opportunity to create the first nurse practitioner training program to meet the needs of underserved populations. Since the inception of the first program and the move of APRN education to an advanced degree, the role has matured and demonstrated its ability to meet the healthcare needs of multiple groups while achieving positive healthcare outcomes.   The Institute of Medicine (2010) report substantiates the need for nurses to practice to the fullest extent of their training and education and it is important for organizations to provide advanced educational opportunities for its membership to ensure they are up to date with the newest evidenced-based practice guidelines to have better patient outcomes. As the Vice President of Education, I plan on guiding our organization to achieve this goal and to ensure that our practitioners indeed have access to programming and education that supports our mission and brings awareness to our role and capabilities. As a longtime member of the NLN, I assisted in planning several national educational summits that boast over 900 attendees annually. I am currently assisting FNPN in planning the August 2021 conference, and also the co-chair of the SFCAPN education committee where I plan and implement educational programs for the APRN membership. Presently, I am involved in planning their 2021 September conference. As Co-Chair of the Research Committee at Frontier Nursing University, I have had the opportunity for the past two years to plan the research symposium during faculty meeting for over 155 faculty members. I have always been committed to the educational needs of my colleagues evidenced by my involvement planning multiple conferences for many attendees as noted above. I believe this makes me the ideal individual for the position of Second Vice-president of Education.

Candidates for Treasurer

• Mary Cisco MBA, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
• Wendy Paracka, DNP, APRN, NP-C, FAANP
• LaMisa Rayside, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, CNE
• George Byron Peraza-Smith, DNP, APRN-C, GNP-BC, GS-C, FAANP

 

Mary Cisco MBA, MSN, APRN, FNP-C  (Incumbent)

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your treasurer for the past term. I am requesting your support to re-elect me as the Treasurer for the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (FNPN). I have spent this past term in this position and developed and reviewed financial instruments and have advised the Board of Directors (BOD) on all fiscal matters related to our operations. During these critical times I have been able to not only understand the challenges facing our organization, but I have been able to offer innovative ideas and creative solutions to address some problems that were discovered. I have ensured transparent practices with sharing and reporting with the rest of the BOD during my tenure. In addition to my dedication to FNPN’s mission and experience as treasurer, I have accounting and extensive management experience through my years in hospital administration, prior treasurer positions, and my education including a Master’s in Business Administration. 

With my MBA and previous roles, I have provided management and oversight of accounting activities, including account analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and periodic reporting. If re-elected I will continue my work towards supporting the mission of FNPN through my fiducial responsibility to our members in making sound financial decisions. I am passionate about improving the financial acumen of APRNs to better advocate for our patients and our practices. I believe that I am suitable for this position as I possess strong leadership qualities, critical thinking, business analytics, and effective communication. As your FNPN Treasurer I promise that I will continue to make fiscally responsible decisions using integrity and sound business decisions to promote NPs across Florida while upholding our mission and values as an organization. I believe I have the education, skills, and expertise to continue to provide FNPN’s financial leadership.

Thank you for your vote! 

 

Wendy Paracka, DNP, APRN, NP-C, FAANP

My name Is Wendy Paracka and I am excited to seek election for the FNPN Board of Directors as Treasurer. I have been an active member of FNPN for many years; participating in the annual state conferences as a speaker, doing advocacy work for FNPN by visiting state representatives and giving testimony in Tallahassee.  I am a frequent lecturer at AANP conferences, providing support and knowledge for NPs to attain their goal of becoming Certified Medical Examiners for the Department of Transportation. I have served on the AANP planning committee for the Fellows’ winter conference, the committee for the annual FNPN Dr. Ford Birthday Golf Tournament and Scholarship Fund and was recently honored to be selected to serve as “Doctor for the Day” at the state legislature’s medical clinic in Tallahassee. Of all the accomplishments, the one I am most proud of is a group called the ‘NP Force and using the network to support all NPs who volunteer time, labor, and service to meet any need of an amazing NP leader, Dr. Loretta Ford.  Twenty Years ago, I created my own NP practice called Remise Health Solutions – a vibrant primary care and occupational practice in the historic village of Tarpon Springs, known for their wonderful Greek community and growing population. My practice is staffed solely with nurse practitioners. I can bring to FNPN my business acumen and expertise in business finance, as I am an IT expert with QuickBooks and EMRs. I consult with a variety of business practices and often called upon to provide expertise in cybersecurity and HIPAA concerns. I previously served on the Tarpon Springs Business Alliance’s Board of Directors as treasurer, completing IRS applications, and successfully moving the organization forward to an IRS 501c6 exempt designation. I am confident my business skills will benefit FNPN organization and help build the organization to a stronger organization with a sound fiscal program and solid finance program and investment objectives.

I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Tampa Bay Advanced Practice Nurses Council and is an active educational contributor for the American Association of Nurse Practitioner’s continuing education programs. I feel being on the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network’s Board of Directors means listening to the membership, understanding the budget and finances of the organization, and dedicating the time to do a thorough job. Energy and enthusiasm are an asset in any organization, and I want to use that to create positive and desirable outcomes for FNPN. I ask for your support to allow me to be the next treasurer.

 

LaMisa Rayside, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, CNE

Fulfilling a role on the Board of Directors will foster an opportunity to learn more about the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network organization. As the current president of the Central Florida Advanced Nursing Practice Council, I have learned the importance of being involved in local, state, and national organizations as it fosters leadership and provides a platform to learn about governance. Experiences of this caliber will help build networks and allow continual advancement in my career as a doctorally-prepared advanced practice registered nurse. Although I have never fulfilled the role of Treasurer, I manage the household budget for a family of 5, which certainly requires astuteness. I will strive to satisfy the role of Treasurer from every aspect, which includes not hesitating to seek guidance from the President of the FNPN. 

Lasty, as Treasurer, I will adhere to the Bylaws and policies of the FNPN.

 

George Byron Peraza-Smith, DNP, APRN-C, GNP-BC, GS-C, FAANP

I have been an enthusiastic, active member with FNPN for many years. The Treasurer role is a key board position for advocating our fiduciary responsibilities to ensure FNPN can realize our mission in promoting excellence in practice, education, policy, and research and serving as legislative leader for full and direct access to NPs. I have served in the Treasurer role with FNPN from 2015-2019 and the FNPN PAC form 2020-2021. In these roles I was responsible for the fiscal oversight of the association/PAC to include but not limited to budget preparation, monthly financial statement reviews and interpretation, managing ledgers, and reporting financial outcomes to the board/trustees. As FNPN Treasurer, I initiated a Finance Committee to increase membership involvement with the financial fiduciary responsibilities for our association. As Chairperson, I lead the finance committee in drafting the annual financial statements, preparing the annual budget projections for board review and approval, reviewing balance sheet, reviewing audit results, as well as IRS requirements. My personal mission is to be of service. I am passionate as a member of the NP profession and FNPN who represents us. We make a difference by being involved. I would love to be able to serve you as Treasurer and ask for your vote. Thank you for your time and commitment to FNPN. 

Candidates for Region Director

Region 1

 

Kathleen P. Wilson, PhD, APRN, CPNP, FNP - BC, BC-ADM, FAANP

I would be honored to have your support for Re-Election as the Region 1 Director for the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (FNPN).  I have served you in this role for the past three (3) years and would like one more additional term to continue my service to you in this role as your Region 1 Director. As a committed, dedicated servant leader, I have thoroughly enjoyed this role and with the help from my colleagues, highlight a few accomplishments:   

• Representing the interests and concerns of Region 1 APRN’s at state, regional and national meetings 

• Most recently as a member of the Autonomous Practice Council

• Networking and supporting local councils and academic partners while identifying and growing new APRN leaders in Region1.   
• Serving as a resource to new graduates and seasoned advanced practice nurses.
• Raising awareness about the positive influence of NP-led care by sharing our stories through engagement and social media, publication, and dissemination. 

 

Yet there is much work ahead to accomplish our outreach goals for the region and with your vote of support, I would be able to continue this trajectory!   As a APRN with greater than 35 years of experience, organizational leadership, I am passionate, about communicating the good news of nurse practitioners.   Residing in Tallahassee, Florida’s Capitol City, places me at the center of legislative activities with access to our lawmakers. 

As your FNPN Region 1 Director, I assure you that I will engage you my colleagues across the region to keep you informed, supported, and moving to Florida’s next practice goal, that of FULL PRACTICE AUTHORITY for ALL APRNs within their scope of practice! 

Region 3

 

Charrita Ernewein, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, SANE-A

My name is Charrita Ernewein, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, SANE-A, I am a family nurse practitioner who specializes in acute care, pediatrics, human trafficking, as well as sexual assault. I am currently practicing at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and in addition, will be starting a new role at the University of Tampa as an Assistant Professor of Nursing. I am a strong advocate within the community working closely with professional organizations and community entities to bring awareness to human trafficking and vulnerable populations. My commitment to the profession and the APRN role has me engaged with several organizations that are working collaboratively to increase understanding regarding the role of APRNs as we continue to strive for inclusivity of all APRNs as well as the ability to practice within the full scope of our education and experience.

As a prospective Region 3 Director, I plan to represent APRNs in the region by serving as a liaison between the Board of Directors, members, and other professional APRNs organizations. I have worked in numerous diverse communities and plan to bring my strong communication skills and my enthusiasm forward as I engage members within my region to assess their needs and work with the Board of Directors to meet those needs.  While working with members, I also plan to reach out to nonmembers to provide rationale of why becoming a member will benefit them but also the profession. I will work diligently to bring forward how political determinants of health affect the entire community and reinforce the role and impact APRNs have when engaged in policy, and community. I will continue to highlight how APRNs stepped up, showed up, during, the pandemic. 

Region 5

 

Arlene Wright, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP

During my tenure as president of FNPN, I have had the privilege to build relationships and develop partnerships to promote NP practice and visibility. Along with my board colleagues, we have expanded our educational programs and created increased opportunities for our members to earn CE utilizing the virtual platforms that the pandemic challenges created including a new NP bootcamp that was launched in 2020 and is ongoing. As your region 5 director, I will be able to further my goals to unite all Florida NP’s via outreach working alongside local group leaders as your voice and advocate. 

 

Candidates for Nominating Committee  (Select 3)

• Doreen Cassarino, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, FAANP, FNAP
• Debra A. Allan Danforth, DNP, APRN, FAANP
• Debbie T. Devine, Ph.D., M.S., APRN, FNP
• Carswella Phillips DNP, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, CNE
• LaMisa Rayside, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, CNE

 

Doreen Cassarino, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, FAANP, FNAP

The Nomination Committee is charged with selecting diverse candidates for critical positions who have both knowledge and experience to lead FNPN.  Candidates from diverse backgrounds offer a range of experiences, skills, and talents that, when working together, can lead innovation.  The positions I have held within FNPN provided me with experience in selecting leaders for the future of the association. I have served as secretary, legislative vice president, immediate past president and president as well as serving on various committees including the conference committee. As such, I am intimately aware of the necessary characteristics that candidates will need to fulfill their elected role to best benefit FNPN and its members. If given the opportunity, I would be honored to serve on this committee.

 

Debra A. Allan Danforth, DNP, APRN, FAANP

is the first nurse practitioner as Professor at Florida State University, College of Medicine. In addition, she is the Director of Clinical Learning Center and Preceptorship. Dr. Danforth is an Adult Nurse Practitioner, an adjunct Associate Professor at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), College of Pharmacy, and courtesy faculty at Florida State University, College of Nursing. Dr. Danforth is currently the President/CEO of the American Nurse Practitioners Foundation (ANPF) and President of the Florida Geriatric Society (first non-physician). She has been actively involved with the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (FNPN) since inception in 2002. Dr. Danforth was the first secretary and started the PAC almost 20 years ago. She has continued to support the organization by being involved in legislation and annual conference. She has been a nurse for over 30 years, a nurse practitioner for over 25 years, and been involved in academia for over 25 years where she has taught several students across the state. Dr. Danforth is running for the nominating committee because she would like to see some up-and-coming nurse practitioners in leadership positions or help mentor them into running for a position in the future. As part of the nominating committee, I feel I could make a difference. I would appreciate your confidence to vote for me.  

 

Debbie T. Devine, Ph.D., M.S., APRN, FNP

I am asking for your vote for the Nominations Committee.  I have been an active member of FNPN for many years and would like the opportunity to serve in a more active role by being part of this committee. I have helped extensively with our advocacy program and traveled to Tallahassee to meet with legislators and give testimony. I have served our profession and communities in many roles for over 24 years as a practicing APRN, an educator, and advocate.  My cumulative experiences have provided me with the determination, character, and strength to become a strong advocate and leader, which will assist in this role and others within the FNPN organization.  I work with diverse groups, provide solutions in difficult situations and can work effectively and collaboratively within this group to continue with the mission of FNPN. Excellence is my goal in all that I do and I consistently bring professionalism and leadership skills into the workplace, professional organizations, and community service groups This past year has been a difficult one for all of us and I want to provide my service and expertise through actively participating within this organization.  I am an active member of Tampa Bay NP Council serving as Managing Director and work in school health as a NP and an independent business owner providing expert legal review and testimony. Thank you in advance for your vote and opportunity to serve.  

 

Carswella Phillips DNP, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, CNE

Thank you for your nomination. I am truly honored to receive it. It is even a greater honor to accept the FNPN's nomination as a member of the Nominations Committee. Before I explain why I feel I have the qualifications for the position, I would like to share a little more about myself with you. I am a board-certified Nurse Educator and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner with nearly 20 years of professional and clinical experience. I am making the leap to serve as a member of the FNPN Nominations Committee because I am looking to serve as a voice of diversity in the advancement of Nurse Practitioners. I feel that the role of Nominations Committee member would be a great stepping-stone to further my desire to serve and contribute to the nursing profession. Over the years, I have done my best to actively participate as a member of committees looking to enhance the overall health and well-being of the communities in which we serve. I have previously served as a member of the Leon County Community Health Coordinating Committee and Bond Community Health Center Board of Directors. I feel that my previous leadership and committee experiences have helped me gain a sense of what it takes to serve as a member of the FNPN Nominations committee. If elected, I am looking forward to working harmoniously with other committee members to get the job done and uphold the standards of the organization. I understand the responsibilities of this position fully and look forward to professionally representing the FNPN.

 

LaMisa Rayside, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, CNE

Fulfilling a role on the Board of Directors will foster an opportunity to learn more about the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network organization. As the current president of the Central Florida Advanced Nursing Practice Council, I have learned the importance of being involved in local, state, and national organizations as it fosters leadership and provides a platform to learn about governance. Experiences of this caliber will help build networks and allow for continual advancement in my career as a doctorally-prepared advanced practice registered nurse.  If selected to be a member of the Nominating Committee, I will strive to assist in selecting Board of Director candidates who demonstrate a passion to support the mission of the FNPN, are eager to learn about the organization, and express a willingness to serve. Lasty, as a member of the Nominating Committee, I will adhere to the Bylaws and policies of the FNPN.